Key Facts & Figures for the Solar Industry

The first silicon solar cells cost $286/watt and reached efficiencies of 4.5–6%. By 2012, solar cells cost around $5/watt and reach efficiencies in excess of 20% while maximum efficiencies of research photovoltaics is over 40%.

In terms of Carbon offsetting, installing a 5,000 watt solar system is equivalent to planting 171 trees each year for the life of the system ~ 20 - 25 years.

In 2013, the solar industry installed over 50% more modules than 2012.